The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Nov. 2, for the new housing development Raccoon Run, located along Pierceton Road near Stonehenge Golf Course in Winona Lake. InkFreeNews photos by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — More housing will soon be available in Kosciusko County as a result of a new development in Winona Lake.

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting for Raccoon Run on Wednesday, Nov. 2. It’s located off Pierceton Road near Stonehenge Golf Course.

The project has been in the works for awhile, with its developer Mike Thomas, the president of Oakmont Development Co., stating that it was about two years ago that the land was purchased.

Ground was broken for the first home last fall, said Greg Milakis, the owner of Majestic Homes, the exclusive builder for the project.

The development is to ultimately include around 80 homes and at least 52 villas, said Thomas, noting that building was to continue “for a number of years.” About 14 of those properties have been completed so far. Each property is to have three or more bedrooms, he said.

Thomas discussed why he opted to develop property in Winona Lake, mentioning the land is near the golf course and Warsaw Community Schools is a good school system.

“We’re very excited to be here in the community with the strong job growth that you’re experiencing here,” said Mikalis. “I know that there’s a lot of demand for housing and we’re excited to be part of this.”

Brian Peterson, who’s listing the properties through his company, Brian Peterson Real Estate, also talked about the need for housing before the ribbon-cutting was held.

“We obviously desperately need housing,” he said, thanking Thomas and Mikalis for the work they have done with Raccoon Run. “They want to do more, so let’s get behind them and support them the best we can.”

“The companies (in the area) have a huge hiring need,” Peterson mentioned later. “We’re needing to bring and attract more talent to our community. Obviously in order to do that, we have to have housing and we have to have housing that people want, so the developer and the builder have stepped forward and have made a significant investment in our community, helping satisfy that need.”

He noted the square footage runs from 1,800 to 2,500 square feet. Mikalis said prices for homes currently run from the upper $300,000 range to $500,000.

“I just would encourage the community to get out and check out this beautiful neighborhood,” Peterson said. “It’s a great location, providing much-needed housing. There’s a lot of great amenities with these properties that I think people will appreciate – such as granite kitchens, walk-in tile showers.”

Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach also praised the project for leading to growth in town. He noted Raccoon Run is located in a residential tax increment financing district, with the town “primarily” creating it for the development.

TIF districts allow tax revenue in those areas to be captured and used for a specific purpose, including infrastructure.

Allebach also mentioned that the town’s greenway is to eventually extend to that area.

If people would like more information about purchasing a Raccoon Run home, they can reach out to Brian Peterson Real Estate by calling (574) 268-1899.

A look at one of the homes for sale.

A view of the home’s fireplace.

People enjoy food inside the home’s kitchen.